I. Arumainayagam conferred Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025
Indian football legend Shri I. Arumainayagam was conferred with the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in recognition of his contribution to Indian sport both during and after his playing career. The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) honours and motivates sportspersons who have made significant contributions through their performances and continued to contribute to the promotion of sport after retiring from active competition.
A speedy winger, Arumainayagam was part of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, which the source describes as one of the greatest achievements in Indian football. He made his international debut against Thailand on August 28, 1962, at the Asian Games, and went on to represent India 18 times, scoring three goals. He also played in major continental and regional competitions for India during the 1960s.
Arumainayagam represented India at the 1964 AFC Asian Cup, where India finished runners-up, and featured at the Merdeka Cup in 1966 and 1967. India finished third at the 1966 Merdeka Cup. These appearances form part of his international tournament record mentioned in the source.
In domestic competitions, Arumainayagam represented Madras/Tamil Nadu, Bengal and Railways in the Santosh Trophy between 1958 and 1971. He was part of Bengal’s victorious Santosh Trophy team in 1962. At club level he spent eight years with Mohun Bagan from 1961 to 1968, scoring 56 goals for the side.
During his time with Mohun Bagan, he won the Calcutta Football League four times (1962, 1963, 1964 and 1965), the IFA Shield in 1961 and 1962, the Durand Cup in 1963, 1964 and 1965, and the Rovers Cup in 1966. He also represented Southern Railway in 1969 and 1970. Arumainayagam was conferred the Mohun Bagan Ratna in 2014.
The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) was described in the source as adding another significant honour to his career. AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey said, "It is a matter of great pride for Indian football that Shri I. Arumainayagam has been recognised with the Arjuna Award (Lifetime). He was an integral part of the Indian team that achieved the historic 1962 Asian Games triumph, a moment that continues to hold a special place in our footballing history. This honour recognises not only his achievements as a player, but also his enduring contribution to Indian football. On behalf of the AIFF, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on this well-deserved recognition."
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram. Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018; a hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.